There’s a never ending debate in the automotive world about vehicle dependability, and whether cars built in the 1990s are more reliable than those produced in today’s technology infused modern era.
While newer vehicles come packed with technology, efficiency, and safety features, many car enthusiasts and mechanics argue that the simplicity of 90s cars make them more reliable in the long run.
But, is there any truth to this?
Let’s explore why cars from the 90s are often perceived as more reliable, while also considering what modern vehicles bring to the table.
Vehicle Dependability: 90s Cars vs Modern Cars
According to the latest 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, modern vehicle dependability has seen a decline after the first three years of ownership.
The study highlights an increase in reported issues across nearly two-thirds of the major automotive brand vehicles, pushing the industry average to 190 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), up by 4 from the previous year.
Additionally, the rate at which problems arise between 90 days and three years has also risen, with a 17% increase in issues, up from 12% in 2023.
Does this prove that modern vehicles are less reliable than those from the ’90s? Not quite. The reality is more nuanced than it seems.
While cars from the 90s are often celebrated for their simplicity, today’s vehicles have seen significant advancements in mechanical dependability. But only in certain areas.
For example, modern car components like strut assemblies, shock absorbers, and suspension springs often last longer than those from the 90s due to advancements in design and materials.
The same applies to other essential mechanical components, such as the starter, alternator, and exhaust systems.
This is key—mechanically, vehicles from the 2000s are, on average, more reliable in certain aspects than those from the ’90s.
However, because modern cars are packed with electronic systems—such as infotainment systems, sensors, and safety features—there are more opportunities for electronic malfunctions. And they often do.
These issues drive down vehicle manufacturer reliability ratings, as owners report problems with these hi-tech parts more frequently.
In many cases, components that have been refined over time are now being redesigned with sensors, all in the pursuit of environmental benefits.
Subaru’s Thermal Control Valve fiasco is a clear example of this.
Outsourcing of Components
Also a huge contributing factor affecting vehicle dependability is outsourcing of components. In the 1990s, car manufacturers tended to produce a larger portion of their parts in-house. Particularly critical components like engines, transmissions, and other core systems.
Estimates suggest that back in the 1990’s, around 60 to 70% of a car’s parts were produced in-house by the automakers themselves.
In contrast, the automotive industry has seen a significant shift toward outsourcing, with many manufacturers now relying heavily on a global network of suppliers.
In fact, it’s estimated that around 70 to 80% of parts in modern cars are outsourced. This change has been driven largely by the need to reduce costs.
While outsourcing of vehicle components has increased, quality control issues have also become more prevalent.
So, compared to the 1990s, there’s been roughly a 30-40% increase in the outsourcing of parts in modern cars. This is significant, and likely to blame for reliability issues.
Simplicity: Fewer Electronics, Fewer Problems
One of the main reasons 90s cars are considered more reliable is their simplicity. Vehicles from that era had fewer electronic components, which means fewer things could go wrong.
Vehicles from Japanese brands particularly were renowned for their exceptional reliability during the 1990s. Many of these cars required only basic maintenance throughout their lifespan, and it was not uncommon for them to pass through three or four owners before any significant mechanical issues arose.
For example, a 1990s Toyota Corolla didn’t have an infotainment system, forward collision avoidance systems, or engine start-stop technology. Making it less prone to the electrical issues that modern cars sometimes face.
In fact, a study by Consumer Reports found that Japanese vehicles from the 1990s had a 50% lower failure rate compared to their American and European counterparts.
However, Japanese brands have increasingly faced challenges due to outsourcing and the complexity of electronic systems in their vehicles.
This shift has led to a noticeable decline in overall vehicle manufacturer reliability ratings across several models. In fact, a recent study found that the reliability of some Japanese brands has dropped by up to 15% over the past decade due to these factors. Wow!
As an example, run a vehicle dependability report for a 2022 Toyota Camry and you’ll find a host of complaints from owners about modern high-tech features. Features that vehicles from the ’90s never had.
Additionally, 90’s era engines had simpler designs, making repairs straightforward and more affordable. This simplicity is a key reason why many 90s cars are still on the road today.
According to a How Stuff Works article, modern cars with their electronic systems may be more efficient, but the added complexity increases the risk of malfunctions, particularly as vehicles age.
Easier to Repair and Maintain
For home mechanics and DIYers, 90s cars are a dream. The introduction of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) systems in 1996 made troubleshooting easier than ever. And these vehicles were designed in such a way that made most repairs accessible without requiring special tools.
In contrast, modern cars often need specialized diagnostic equipment to identify problems. Not to mention the time needed to remove all the protective coverings to even get to the engine.
Additionally, the cost of fixing modern vehicles often requires more expensive parts and labor.
According to Progressive’s insights, older vehicles were easier to maintain because their components were simpler and more universally compatible.
Built for Durability
Not all, but many 90s cars were built to last. Many will recall, this was the era manufacturers were competing for who made the most reliable vehicles.
Vehicles from this era were constructed with sturdier materials, over-engineered engines, and oversized brake components.
For example, it’s not rare to see a 90’s era Land Cruiser or the Lexus LS400 still on the road today. The same goes for ’90s Toyota Corollas, Chevy and Ford Trucks, and many Honda vehicles.
Many of these vehicles even having clocked hundreds of thousands of miles, and still going!
According to a list of durable 90s cars, vehicles like the Lexus LS400 and the BMW E36 M3 were known for their bulletproof engines and robust build quality.
These cars didn’t need as much frequent or expensive maintenance as many of today’s vehicles.
Modern Cars: More Reliable in Different Ways
While the 90s cars had their strengths, modern vehicles have seen significant improvements in areas like safety, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability.
For instance, spark plugs will last well over 100,000 miles. Cooling and exhaust systems will often last the life of the car.
Cars built from 2012 onwards have shown a steady improvement in mechanical reliability. However, the same can’t be said for their electronic systems.
The Nostalgia Factor
For many car enthusiasts, the appeal of 90s cars goes beyond just reliability. There’s a nostalgia for the mechanical feel of driving, the lack of overwhelming tech, and the simpler times when cars were purely machines rather than computers on wheels.
This emotional connection, combined with the relative ease of maintenance, makes 90s cars highly prized by certain segments of drivers.
Final Thoughts
In the end, 90s cars were built with durability and simplicity in mind, making them easier to maintain and more robust in many respects.
However, when it comes to mechanical reliability, mid 2000’s era cars are generally more reliable overall. However, vehicle dependability varies greatly across all major brands, with both having its share of hits and misses.
That’s why doing your research before buying is vital. You don’t want to get stuck with a vehicle that after only a year, was once reliable, but now faces new issues common in today’s modern cars.
So while modern cars are more advanced, safer, and often more fuel efficient, their electrical complexity is often the reason for the less than stellar reliability ratings.
The debate between the two eras will continue, but both have their merits depending on what drivers value most.
Would you take the simplicity of a 90s car or the advanced tech of a modern one? Let me know in the comments!
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My favorite car was a 1993 Lincoln Town Car, at that point I had a choice between that beaut and my roommate’s 2011 Civic 👎.
Yes! Those were tanks, and could go well into 200k miles and beyond. Thanks for the comment.
I’d say modern cars are more durable, as in their components last longer, than more reliable, as in less failures overall. If you’re speaking of pure failures, 90s cars had far fewer failures. But, there was probably more of a need to replace wear and tear items that just didn’t last as long.
That’s a good way to sum it up David. Thanks for the comment.